Ralph could never inherit the Russell family's assets. There was no possibility of transferring them, and he even risked being disowned and losing everything. He couldn't, and wouldn't, accept it.
His hands clenched into fists at his sides, his silence punctuated only by gritted teeth.
While everyone fretted over Margaret's condition, Lily remained calmly efficient. She directed the crowd to give Margaret space, ordered the housekeeper to call a doctor, and settled herself beside the bed, methodically arranging things. She requested water, then calmly and carefully wiped Margaret's forehead and palms with a towel. Celine watched Lily, feeling conflicted.
When Margaret fainted, Celine panicked, momentarily paralyzed. Although Margaret had fainted before, Alexander or Ralph had always managed the situation, leaving Celine uninvolved. In this moment, she realized how little she had done.
"Grandma must have fainted from grief," Lily said, addressing Alexander. "Let her rest. Everyone else should leave; there are too many people here."
Alexander nodded, approving of Lily's handling of the situation, and dismissed the others.
"I'll stay and help care for Mom," Celine declared firmly.
Lily nodded, understanding Celine's attempt at filial piety.
Once everyone left, Alexander noticed Ralph standing motionless. He approached him, saying, "Uncle Ralph."
Ralph met his gaze, his bloodshot eyes filled with hatred, loss, and profound resentment.
"You don't have to do this, Alex!" he sneered. "You've achieved your wish. The entire family is yours now. I'm a failure. Kick me out. You win!"
"I never sought to defeat you," Alexander replied calmly. "You created this situation through your own aggressive actions." He had repeatedly urged Ralph to stop, but Ralph's stubbornness had driven him to a dead end.
"You won," Ralph retorted, his bitter smile betraying his tears. "Say whatever you want. Your sarcasm is obvious."
Alexander started to respond, but Celine interrupted. "If you must speak, leave. Mom needs to rest. Can't she have some peace?"
Ralph left abruptly.
Celine felt frustrated, but Alexander said, "Forget it. Let him calm down." He sighed. "You take care of Grandma; I'll handle Uncle Ralph."